Airport Advisory Commission
Regular MeetingPekin, IL · February 24, 2026
Minutes
City of Pekin
PROCEEDINGS OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE AIRPORT ADVISORY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF PEKIN, ILLINOIS,
HELD AT PEKIN MUNICIPAL AIRPORT
13906 AIRPORT LN. PEKIN, IL 61554
ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2026 AT 3:00 PM
CHAIRMAN HUEY PRESIDING
Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Call to Order
The February 24, 2026 Regular Meeting of the Pekin Airport Advisory Commission was
called to order at 3:12 PM.
Comission member Foster was Absent.
Chairperson Huey confirmed all Commissioners were physically present.
Attendee Commission Title Status Arrived
Name
Steve Pekin Municipal Airport Advisory Commission Present 3:00 PM
Huey Commission Chairperson
Todd Pekin Municipal Airport Advisory Commission Present 3:00 PM
Thompson Commission Member
Steve Pekin Municipal Airport Advisory Commission Absent 3:00 PM
Foster Commission Member
Mike Reed Pekin Municipal Airport Advisory Commission Present 3:00 PM
Commission Member
Murray Pekin Municipal Airport Advisory Commission Present 3:00 PM
Brian Commission Member
Also Present: Michael Cruce, Airport Manager
Approval of Minutes
3.1. Minutes from the January 27, 2026 Meeting
Commissioner Reed moved to approve the minutes from January 24, 2024
RESULT: [4 to 0] (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER: Commissioner Reed
SECONDER: Commissioner Thompson
AYES: Commissioners Huey, Thompson, Reed, and Brian
Public Input
One member of the public Rick Woldow inquired about the process for renewing a
hangar lease.
The Airport Manager advised that:
• A written request via email is required to initiate the renewal process
• Renewals will be processed closer to expiration and presented to City Council
• Lease terms will follow the standard structure and current rates
No further public comments were received.
New Business
5.1. Fuel Tank construction ramp closure and estimated timeline.
The Airport Manager provided an update on the fuel tank replacement project:
• Construction is anticipated to begin mid-March 2026
• New tanks are expected to be operational by May (possibly early
June)
• The project includes slab work, tank installation, and new piping
Operational Impacts:
• Ramp closure east and south of the fuel system
• Taxiway Alpha-3 will be closed
• Two aircraft parking positions near the terminal will be unavailable
• Fuel island and west ramp tie-downs will remain open
• Construction traffic will utilize the front gate
• Temporary barricades and signage will be installed
• Fuel service interruptions are expected to be minimal (estimated 1–2
weeks)
5.2. Fuel tank removal bid awarded by council
The Airport Manager reported that:
• The tank removal contract was awarded to RCRA, Inc. dba Earth
Services
• Contract amount: $38,000
• Four bids were received
Project Considerations:
• Removal requires coordination with the Fire Marshal and EPA
• Approximately 3 weeks advance notice is required for scheduling
• Soil testing will be conducted following removal
Environmental:
• Any contamination will be handled through the LUST Fund
• The City is responsible for a $5,000 deductible
5.3. North gate access system replacement
The Airport Manager outlined plans to modernize the gate access system:
• Replacement of the barrel key system with a digital access system
• Features include:
o Keypad entry codes
o License plate recognition camera
o Optional key fob access
Implementation:
• Installation expected within 1–2 months
• Requires Wi-Fi connectivity and system integration
• Tenants will receive access codes and must provide license plate
information
Benefits:
• Improved security and access control
• Ability to revoke access when tenants leave
• Cost-effective solution (~$1,500 vs. significantly higher vendor quotes)
5.4. Army National Guard Sling Load OPS
The Manager discussed the approval of Air National Guard training
operations:
• Operations include helicopter sling-load and landing exercises.
• Activities will occur in designated areas on airport property.
Operational Details:
• Aircraft will coordinate via radio and yield to civilian traffic.
• Training includes dust landings and hover operations.
• A memorandum of understanding governs operations and liability
o Military operations will be tracked and reported
o Potential participation in community events (e.g., aircraft
displays)
5.5. T-Hangar 1-20 light fixture replacement with Ameren provided new LED
lights
The Airport Manager reported on participation in an Ameren energy efficiency
program:
• LED lighting fixtures are being provided at no cost
• Includes wall packs and high-bay/UFO lights
Improvements:
• Replacement of outdated lighting in hangars
• Installation of motion-sensor lighting systems
• Reduced energy consumption and operating costs
Additional Maintenance Updates:
• Hangar E lighting and electrical improvements underway
• Heater replacement and gas line upgrades in progress
• Windsock replacement ordered following storm damage
• PAPI lighting boards replaced due to suspected lightning damage
Adjourn
A motion was made by Murray Brian to Adjourn the meeting
Seconded by Mike Reed
The meeting was Adjourned at 3:51pm
Agenda
City of Pekin
REGULAR AIRPORT ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2026
3:00 PM
1. Pledge of Allegiance
2. Call to Order
3. Approval of Minutes
3.1. Minutes from the January 27, 2026 Meeting
4. Public Input
5. New Business
5.1. Fuel Tank construction ramp closure and estimated timeline.
5.2. Fuel tank removal bid awarded by council
5.3. North gate access system replacement
5.4. Army National Guard Sling Load OPS
5.5. T-Hangar 1-20 light fixture replacement with Ameren provided new LED lights
6. Adjourn